NEW: None of the powerful new watchdogs Congress established to monitor Trump’s handling of coronavirus relief are functioning yet.

But quietly, the GAO has launched dozens of inquiries on everything from PPE to testing. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/20/watchdog-trump-coronavirus-audits-192272?nname=playbook&nid=0000014f-1646-d88f-a1cf-5f46b7bd0000&nrid=0000014c-2414-d9dd-a5ec-34bc52a40001&nlid=630318

The independent GAO — infused with a fresh $20 million to add to its 3,000 auditors and experts — is the only entity conducting real-time monitoring of Trump’s handling of the $2.2 trillion coronavirus response.

And unlike IGs, Trump can’t fire them. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/20/watchdog-trump-coronavirus-audits-192272?nname=playbook&nid=0000014f-1646-d88f-a1cf-5f46b7bd0000&nrid=0000014c-2414-d9dd-a5ec-34bc52a40001&nlid=630318

Trump already tangled with GAO once: The Office investigated his handling of aid to Ukraine. Ultimately, it concluded he broke the law by blocking it — and rapped the White House for stonewalling it’s inquiry. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/20/watchdog-trump-coronavirus-audits-192272?nname=playbook&nid=0000014f-1646-d88f-a1cf-5f46b7bd0000&nrid=0000014c-2414-d9dd-a5ec-34bc52a40001&nlid=630318